FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

1

PRODUCT 1:

2

A PLASTIC CD/DVD HOLDER

PRODUCT 2:

3

A PLASTIC CD/DVD HOLDER

4

Product 1:

Product 2:

FMS:

What exactly is FMS?A Flexible Manufacturing System is one that can be changed or adapted rapidly to manufacture different products or components at different volumes of production.

5

Another Example…

6

When the manufacturing system is flexible enough to absorb changes in manufacturing capacity such as an increase in the number of units being made this is called ‘routing flexibility’. This may be achieved by selecting the right path through which the product or component flows through the production line.

FMS (further)

Most FMS consist of three main systems. The work machines which are often automated machines are connected by a material handling system to optimize parts flow and the central control computer which controls material movements and machine flow.

The main advantages of an FMS is its high flexibility in managing manufacturing resources like time and effort in order to manufacture a new product.

The best application of an FMS is found in the production of small sets of products like those from a mass production (Components)

7

8 New product styles can be introduced into production with

an FMS, so long as they are to be used on the products that the system can process.

This kind of system is, therefore, ideal when there are likely to be changes in demands.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

An automatic materials handling subsystem links machines in the system and provides for automatic interchange of work pieces in each machine

Automatic continuous cycling of individual machines Complete control of the manufacturing system by the host

computer Lightly manned, or possibly unmanned

9

There are three levels of manufacturing flexibility.

Basic Flexibilities Machine flexibility - the ease with which a machine can process

various operations Material handling flexibility -a measure of the ease with which

different part types can be transported and properly positioned at the various machine tools in a system

Operation flexibility - a measure of the ease with which alternative operation sequences can be used for processing a part type

10

System flexibilities:

Volume flexibility Expansion flexibility Routing flexibility Process flexibility Product flexibility

11

Aggregate flexibilities

Program Flexibility Production Flexibility Market Flexibility

12

Benefits of FMSFMS systems are intended to solve the following problems:

Reduced work in process Increased machine utilization Better management control Reduced direct and indirect labor Reduced manufacturing lead-time Consistent and better quality Reduced inventory

13

The Disadvantages of FMS

Expensive, costing millions of dollars Substantial pre-planning activity Sophisticated manufacturing systems Limited ability to adapt to changes in product Technological problems of exact component positioning and

precise timing necessary to process a component

14

Future Benefits of FMS

Technology will make 100% inspection feasible Computer diagnosis will improve estimation of machine

failure, and guide work crews repairing failures The use of robots that have vision, and tactile sensing Minimum human labor in manufacturing systems More sophisticated tools with increased computing

power Better management software, hardware, and fixturing

techniques Developed standards that will let us install new

machines easily

15

Future Benefits of FMS

Custom orders for customers will be made immediately with exact specifications

Improved network systems between manufacturers and suppliers

16

THANK YOU